Canadiens owner sends clear signal on Martin St. Louis’ future

Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said this week that he has no intention of getting rid of Martin St. Louis. While it’s unclear how long the Habs’ current head coach wants to remain behind the bench, it will be his call.

St. Louis' future isn’t exactly hanging over the team this offseason. At the same time, St. Louis is entering the final year of the three-year deal he signed in June 2022. Montreal exercised a two-year option ahead of the 2024-25 season, which means that he’s under contract only through June 2027.

Based on what he’s done with the Canadiens since taking over as the coach, St. Louis is in line for a hefty raise and a long-term offer. It sounds like the Canadiens will have no issues with that. St. Louis just has to say yes.

Asked about it by RDS this week, Molson didn’t commit to specifics. However, he wasn’t shying away from the idea that the Canadiens want St. Louis to stay. “He has one year left on his contract. He’s a coach we really like, and part of our plan is to keep him with us long-term.”